Tragedy struck in Ruwi, a community in Plateau State’s Bokkos Local Government Area, as unidentified gunmen launched a brutal attack on mourners late Thursday night, killing ten people.
Eyewitnesses reported that the victims had gathered at a family residence to mourn a deceased relative when the assailants struck at around 10 p.m.
Seven women were reportedly hacked to death with machetes, while three men also lost their lives. Two additional women sustained injuries.
Mr. Kefas Mallai, Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, confirmed the attack, stating that security forces were alerted but arrived too late to prevent the carnage.
He described the incident as a calculated assault on defenceless mourners, emphasizing that the community remains in shock.
According to him, the attack took advantage of local funeral traditions, where relatives often stay overnight to support the bereaved family.
While security agencies have yet to issue an official statement, the incident raises concerns about the effectiveness of recent peace-building efforts in Plateau State.
Just a week ago, authorities held a stakeholders’ meeting where farmers and herders pledged to maintain peace in the region.
The attack has left the affected community in mourning, with residents calling for urgent intervention to prevent further bloodshed.